Pete Harris is a painter and decorator from Rhyl. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was four, he doesn’t remember life without diabetes.
Pete said: “Luckily, I had family support. Now, I manage my diabetes with the added help of exercise and eating the right things, I’m careful of what I put in my body. I always research foods and how they affect my blood sugars. After 30 years you get to know which foods spike your bloods. Diabetes has been a blessing and a curse. I've met some amazing people in the diabetes community and met some celebrities at award shows where I’ve received awards for my charity work, including for Diabetes UK. But dealing with a life-long condition is never easy”.
He has two children. The youngest, Levi, 10, also has type 1 diabetes. Pete’s passion is hiking, exploring and going on adventures, which he captures in his Instagram (@type1_adventurer).
“Nothing makes me happier than putting on my boots on and going for a good ramble. I’m a massive advocate of mental health. If that’s not right, it shows in your diabetes care. The diabetes community is fantastic in the way we support each other. If you need, reach out, we’re here for you. Especially the newly diagnosed. It’s a tough transition from normal life to adapting to having type 1 or 2”.
Joining a local group and reading more about diabetes and emotions can be useful sources of support for people living with diabetes.
